Migration and proliferation of smooth muscle cells are key to a number of physiological and pathological processes, including wound healing and the narrowing of the vessel wall. Previous work has shown links between inflammatory stimuli and vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration through mitogenactivated protein kinase (MAPK) activation, although the molecular mechanisms of this process are poorly understood. Here we report that tribbles-1, a recently described modulator of MAPK activation, controls vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and chemotaxis via the Jun kinase pathway. Our findings demonstrate that this regulation takes place via direct interactions between tribbles-1 and MKK4/SEK1, a Jun activator kinase. The activity of this kinase is dependent on tribbles-1 levels, whereas the activation and the expression of MKK4/SEK1 are not. In addition, tribbles-1 expression is elevated in human atherosclerotic arteries when compared with non-atherosclerotic controls, suggesting that this protein may play a role in disease in vivo. In summary, the data presented here suggest an important regulatory role for trb-1 in vascular smooth muscle cell biology.

Case ReportA 35-year-old chauffeur and gardener gave a 12-month history of pain in the back of his left knee after a minor injury to the front. The pain became worse throughout the day. He noticed increasing stiffness and a decreasing range of movement. The joint occasionally gave way, with a sharp pain.On examination, the range of movement was 0° to 100°b ut physical signs of instability and swelling were absent. The other joints were normal. Radiographs of the knee and routine haematological, biochemical and immunological tests were also normal. Initially, physiotherapy in the form of stretching and isometric quadriceps strengthening exercises were prescribed with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, without benefit.At six months MRI showed an unusual appearance of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). An oval lobulated mass gave a high signal on T2-weighted (Fig.

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Although the WHO system describes a number of well-defined tumour types with clear diagnostic criteria, the overall level of agreement was moderate and improved if some groups were amalgamated.

The cytological diagnoses of 27 lymph node aspirates were compared with the histological diagnoses or clinical outcome in 23 HIV positive patients. There was agreement between the cytological and histological diagnoses in 14 of the 16 surgically biopsied cases. The clinical outcome in the remaining 11 cases was consistent with the cytodiagnosis. Fine needle aspiration (FNA) is a reliable, miniimally traumatic, cost effective method with high specificity. It is suitable for an initial rapid diagnosis in HIV positive patients with lymphadenopathy. (i Clin Pathol 1993;46:546-566)